Story by Anashe Murombedzi
EGYPT will be looking to end a 92-year wait for their first win at the FIFA World Cup finals when they begin their 2026 campaign in North America next week.
Africa’s most successful football nation, with a record seven Africa Cup of Nations titles, has qualified for the World Cup four times but has yet to win a match at the global showpiece.
The Pharaohs arrive at the tournament carrying the weight of near misses and unfulfilled expectations.
Their last appearance in Russia in 2018 ended in a group-stage exit, while their hopes of reaching Qatar 2022 were dashed by a heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat to Senegal in the final qualifying round.
The expanded 48-team tournament, however, offers Egypt another opportunity to rewrite history.
Drawn in Group G, Egypt opens their campaign against Belgium in Seattle on June 15 before facing New Zealand in Vancouver six days later.
Their last group match will be against Iran on June 26.
Much of the spotlight will once again fall on former Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah,
At 33, Salah is expected to be playing in his final World Cup and remains the symbol of Egypt’s ambitions.
But unlike previous tournaments, Salah is supported by a talented cast that includes Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush and dynamic midfielder Ibrahim Adel, giving the Pharaohs renewed hope of progressing beyond the group stage.
As Egypt prepares for another shot at football’s biggest prize, the question remains whether this generation can finally break a cycle of disappointment and deliver the country’s long-awaited World Cup breakthrough.
